Gyuri’s dress: http://www.dressespro.com/a-formal-long-chiffon-dress-dppd403-p-439.html

Seugyeon’s dress: http://www.dressespro.com/short-halter-bubble-dress-dppd122-p-53.html

Hara’s dress: http://www.dressespro.com/strapless-yellow-cocktail-dress-dppd089-p-478.html

Nicole’s dress: http://www.dressespro.com/purple-strapless-cocktail-dress-dppd062-p-89.html

---

Gyuri stood beautifully with her simple red dress that flowed down to the floor. It was uncomfortable to wear, though it was simple, the back was bare. She held a glass of untouched champagne in her both of her hands, eyeing the entire guest in Nicole’s mansion. How could so many people fit in this mansion?

Most were middle-age rich business people; all of Nicole’s parent’s partners and friends. As side from her and her friends, she felt like a total outsider. She didn’t belong here; wearing a dress borrowed from Seungyeon, they were rich and she wasn’t.

“I can’t believe I agreed to come here!” She whispered into Seugyeon’s ear.

Her best friend replied in a giggle, “But you did! Come on! Think of this as networking... that counts as work right? You like work!”

“Networking is only if I need contacts, but I don’t need contacts”

“Don’t you want to start a catering business?” Seugyeon at the thought of Gyuri’s dream slowly coming true, “Think of it this way, you get to have fun AND get some work done”

As much Gyuri loved the thought, she was more realistic then her best friend, “For one to start a catering business, one needs money and I for one don’t have that money” She gracefully swirled her glass before gulping down all of her drink, “I need fresh air” Without another word, she made her way across the dance floor to the open doors that led to the garden.

Seungyeon watched until her best friend disappeared into the end, until she let out a reliving sigh. She made her way to the other side of the room. As she step she took, her short curly hair bounced along with her. With the click of her black heels, all sounds were inaudible when her eyes lay upon a familiar pair of eyes.

She left herself smile, her heart beating began to pick up pace; not matter how many years they have been together, her heart is hadn’t never go use to his face.

“Hello beautiful” Onew smiled down at his girlfriend, gently wrapping his arm around her waist.

She couldn’t help but giggle, “Hello handsome”

They both dressed to match. She was wearing a blue cocktail dress, while he was wearing a black suit with a white collar shirt, making the blue tie stand out. She gently rested her head on his chest, always shocked on how perfect there body matched.

“Has Gyuri found out yet?” He asked after a period of silence.

Seugyeon continued to watch the open doors as if awaiting someone, “No... I’m glad she hasn’t found out yet”

“Why?” Onew asked, confused. Automatically, he hand began to rub her back in comfort.

“You know Gyuri- she hates when people try to control her life. What Jonghyun did was nice- but she will never see it that way”

He lightly kissed her forehead, making Seugyeon’s attention back to the handsome man before her, “You never know Seugyeon, people can surprise you” He assured her with one of his smiles, “Let’s dance before you start worrying about nothing again!”

She let Onew pull her into the dance floor, enjoy the beat but most importantly enjoying the man she loved.

----

“Nicole, please slow down on the food!” Hara sharply whispered, “You might choke in front of all these people!”

Even through the mumble words Hara understood perfectly what her best friend said, “I’m not going to choke!”

“If you say so... but I’m starting to look like a loser standing next to you” Hara stood up, dusting off the food spat from Nicole’s food. She smiled down at her friend that sent her daggers in her eyes.

“Oh come on, Cole! Don’t be mad! People are starting to look at us already!”

Finally Nicole stood up straight from the buffet table, wiping off the food from her face, “YAH! You liar... no one is looking”

“... Anymore!”

Nicole couldn’t help but laugh, when she heard Hara giggle. They made their way back to their seats, watching Nicole’s parents going from person to person.

“That will be us in 20 years... Don’t you think?” Nicole watched in awe as her parents gracefully made their way through the room, making conversation with each guest. It amazed her how even though her parents were making their way around the room; her father’s arms were always wrapped around her mother’s waist.

“You mean my waist around yours at a party?” Hara joked.

Nicole playfully rolled her eyes, “No, you know what I mean Hara!”

Hara replied, finally taking the conversation seriously, “It would just be amazing if I get married” Their eyes were glued to the two couple that seemed to glow.

“Hara, you’ve got to be kidding me! No guy has ever shown me interest since high school!”

Hara wanted to correct Nicole, but she knew that she wasn’t the right person to tell her the truth.

“... And anyways, Minho looks like he has interest in you”

“Oppa and I are just friends and nothing else” Hara answered too quickly.

“Friends or whatever... But I can see how you act around him!”

“I act like how I act with the girls!”

“That’s my point exactly! Hara... before Minho, it was so hard to get you out of your shell!” Nicole pointed out the truth.

Hara sat in realization... She remembered meeting Minho... how shy and difficult it was to have a conversation with her... She had forced herself to make conversation with Minho that day at the mall, as if something came over her.

“Hello ladies” A deep voice interrupted the conversation. The two girls looked up to find smiling Minho standing in front of them.  He looked like a prince with his all white outfit, “How are we all doing today?” He looked at Nicole briefly until his eyes set on Hara.

“I’m good, thank you” Nicole answer, her eyes glued at the two. She enjoyed two constant flirtations between the two.

“And you, Lady Hara?” Minho smirked, his eyes not leaving Hara’s.

Hara smile grew, showing her pearly white teeth, “I’m wonderful now, Sir”

Finally Minho broke the glaze turning to Nicole, “Will it be okay if I take this beautiful lady with me?”

Nicole stopped herself from laughing, composing herself into a serious face, “I’m sorry but Hara is my date tonight!”

Minho’s eyes widen, he placed his hand to his heart as if he was wounded, and “She told me I was her date!”

Nicole eyes turned to Hara, who looked like she was ready to burst into laughed, but the moment the two friends’ eyes met, Hara composed her friend, “I’m sorry Nicole, I promised Minho I would be his date too!”

Nicole eyes widen, she leaned back into her seat, “You traitor!” She gasped

“He offered me lunch! I couldn’t resist free food!”

Nicole busted out laughing, “Fine fine... Go take my ex-date way”

“Are you sure, Cole?” Hara asked worried, already standing up.

“I’m sure. Just go and have fun!” Nicole smiled.

---

“Nicole-dear, you look bored!” Her mother noticed from across the room at her lonely daughter seating with her eyes wondering around. Her parents made their way across the room; their only concern now was their daughter’s happiness.

Usually Key would accompany her... but tonight, he was nowhere to be found.

“Sweetie, where is Key?” Her father asked, his eyes scanned the room.

“He’s... I don’t know where he is!” She said sadly.

“Alright alright, no use in mopping around at a party” Her mother said, smiling, “I want you to meet someone!”

“Mother, don’t you think this is the wrong time to play matchmaking?” Nicole whinnied.

“Oh sweetheart, I would never do! You and K-”

“JINWOON?” Nicole stopped her mother when her eyes caught a sight of a familiar face.

“You guys know either other?” Nicole’s father asked confused.

“We go to the same school- same classes” Nicole smiled.

“That’s great! We can leave our daughter in good hands” Nicole’s mother clapped her hands together before she grabbed her husband’s arm and pulled him away.  

“... Your parents are interesting, what do they do again?” Nicole laughed at Jinwoon attempt to uplift the awkwardness.

“In the business industry, like your parents... I’m guessing?”

“Your parents new business partners actually, but they are busy right no so I’m in their place”

“I wasn’t aware of that actually... Don’t get me wrong I’m suppose to know everyone here” She jokingly flipped her already short hair back, “I’m taking over the business someday so I need to learn now” It was clear in Jinwoon’s ears the sour tone in Nicole’s voice.

“You don’t seem the type to go into business”

“Really? I’ve been told that... My friends were even surprised that I’m majoring in business”

“So why did you?”

“I don’t know actually... Key believes it’s because I never stopped to think about any other career but what my parents already planned out for me... but I think it’s because I just don’t know what to do...” She let out a forced laughed.

“You should really consider doing the summer program, it just lets you see the world in a different perspective”

“You went?”

“Last year... As much as I love singing and traveling... it made me realized how much I’m better suited for business... maybe it can help you too”

“Yeah... maybe” Nicole sounded doubtful

“Is something- or someone holding you back?”

“What? No... Seriously. I just think people will miss me so much”

“By people... do you mean Key?”

“Key?” It wasn’t a response to Jinwoon’s question but what she saw behind him. There talk had led them to walking to the other side of the room. Though she was surprised, she was even more surprised to see Key. With Nana. His arm casually wrapped around her shoulder.

Nicole could feel a pinch her heart, and bothering feeling in her gut... she didn’t like it.  

---- 

PART TWO

 

Gyuri carried her dress in one hand and in the other an empty glass. She ignored the stares from the middle-aged man, gracefully walking across the room until she reached the food table. Grabbing another glass, she turned to look at the dance floor. She didn’t even glance at the creepy looking men that were winking at her, only watching her friends. Being use to attention, she didn’t feel awkward, but she felt out of place. Despite feeling like an outsider, she gave her friends, Minho, Hara, Seugyeon and Onew, one of her beautiful smiles. They were all standing beside the dance floor, laughing at one of Onew’s jokes. She was about to make her way to her friends, until she heard someone call her name. It was Nicole’s mother.

“There you are Gyuri! I’ve been trying to find you for the pass hour”

“I’m sorry, I was just outside. What can I do for you?” She asked politely, “Are you running out of food? I’ll be glad to make more!”

“Oh no! The food is fine- it’s wonderful. Everyone is loves your food!” She compliments causing Gyuri to smile, ear to ear.

“Then what’s wrong?” She asked

“I just want you to meet a friend of mine... who needs a caterer” She lightly grabbed Gyuri’s free hand, and began to drag her away to the other side of the room to another beautifully dressed middle-aged women.

.... Why does she look so familiar?

“Gyuri, I want you to meet Mrs. Kim” She shook Gyuri’s hand, smiling.

“Hello Mrs. Kim... Are you by any chance Key’s mother?”

“Oh how did you know?”

“I see the resemblance...”

--- 

“Great! So we have everything settled then. I’ll call you tomorrow morning about the ingredients” Mrs. Kim smiled as she clapped her hands together.

“Thank you again for giving me this opportunity” Gyuri smiled genuinely at the women, bowing.

“Oh sweet heart, don’t thank us. Thank Jo- There he is!” Mrs. Kim eyes were now directed to someone behind the goddess. Suddenly she felt a presence beside; she didn’t even need to turn for his scent was already implanted in her mind, “Jonghyun! You’re finally here! I want to say thank you for your recommendation, now I have a caterer for my party”

Gyuri tensed up. She didn’t hear Mrs. Kim right? How did Mr. Playboy know anything about her dream to become a caterer?

“I’m sorry; can I speak to Jonghyun privately?”  Gyuri asked polity, showing off a beautiful, yet fake smile. The two nodded in reply and walked off happily.

---

“If you want privacy Nicole has a guest room-”

“I will never EVER find any attraction to you- I hope I die before any feelings develop!” She turned to him, titling her chin up- trying to give more high to her small frame. They were only a few inches apart.

They stood still for what felt like forever, but neither of them wanted to back down. Neither seemed willing to back down. Their pride was on the line now; the famous playboy now head to head with the goddess. Gyuri was waiting for another attack from Jonghyun, but what his next move shocked her.

He grabbed a hold of her waist and began pulling her to the dance floor, “What do you think you are doing?” She hissed, careful not letting closer dancers hear.

“Don’t you think you owe me for letting your dream come true?” he seductively whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

She tried pushing him away, but he was too strong for her. “Letting my dream come true, my . You probably stalked me!”

 “You know you talk in your sleep”

“What the hell are you talking about?” She never realized that she was avoiding his glaze until his last statement caught her off guard.

“That night I was drunk, you remember it right?” By now she had turned away again, but she sensed he was smirking at her, “Despite being drunk, your consent sleep talking woke up me, you’re lucky you look cute when you sleep or I would have been really angry-OUCH!”

“Serves you right” Gyuri smirked as Mr. Cool suppressed the urged to yell from the pain of being stepped on of her Gyuri’s heels.

---

“Are you sure you saw Nicole going to her room?”

“Yeah I’m sure of that” Hara assured Gyuri and Seunyeon, “I haven’t taken my eyes off her door since she came in”

“Which has been almost 2 hours now...” Seunyeon closed her arms around her chest, “I’m worried”

“Aren’t we all” Gyuri moved toward the door, “Are you sure she didn’t answer when we knocked? ... Maybe it wasn’t loud enough?”

Hara was happily enjoying her time with Minho as they entered stepped away from the dance floor, only to her eyes to catch a familiar small figure entering a room in the second floor. She knew who it was; Nicole. It crushed her heart when she saw her best friend with tears in her eyes. Without hesitation, she made her way across the room with confused Minho trailing shortly behind her to Gyuri and Seugyeon. Gyuri had a flustered expression while Seungyeon seemed ready to laugh- Hara never thought at the time what made Gyuri annoyed so she quickly told them what she saw early. Even though Seungyeon looked worried, Gyuri composed herself and assured the girls that Nicole was a strong girl. But soon the time passed and Gyuri’s composed manner changed.

“I’m going in” She finally broke the silence, taking a pin from her purse and began unlocking the door.

No one asked her how she learned such a trick because she had done it; she had opened the door that blocked the way to their best friend.

“She’s- she’s sleeping...” Gyuri gave a sad smile and made her way to Nicole-who was sleeping in her bed with her dress still intact. The usual happy sleeper was replaced with a slight frown and fresh tears still on her face. Gently, Gyuri sat at the edge of the bed as she began wiping Nicole’s tears- doing her best not to wake the sleeping beauty.

“We should have came early... we could have stopped it” Hara couldn’t stand her best friend in pain. Her body wouldn’t allow her to move from the door as she watched her two other friends sitting alongside Nicole.

“You know for a fact Nicole needed to be alone now... She’s been trying to best strong for everyone... I’m surprised that she lasted this long” Though Seungyeon was talking to Hara, her focused as on Nicole.

“Hmm...” Nicole began to stir in her bed. Automatically, Gyuri rested on her back as she rose up, rubbing her eyes. “What’s wrong Hara?” Nicole’s voice was hoarse from waking up.

“HUH?” Hara was caught off guard, “I’m fine Nicole, really” She attempted to smile, but failed.

Before Nicole could reply Gyuri spoke with her motherly tone, “Sweetheart, you don’t need to lie with us”

“But I’m not lying”

“Nicole, we kn-”

“YO YO YO!” Jonghyun popped his head in the door, before making his way across the room to stand next to the annoyed Gyuri. Followed by Onew- who headed straight to his girlfriend, wrapping his arm around her; while Minho stayed by the door awkwardly standing next Hara.

“What’s going here?” Onew asked kindly.

“It’s nothing babe”

---

“You know what will brighten the mood?” Jonghyun said attempting to cheer the sad mood.

He was sitting on the floor at the foot of Gyuri; far enough that he wouldn’t get kicked but still close enough to bother her. Nicole was sitting in the middle of her bed with both her Unnies at her side. Next to Seungyeon was Onew standing right beside his girlfriend unwilling to let her go. While not too far from the bed, Minho and Hara had moved closer to Nicole standing next to the dark window, but still kept their distance.

“Aw come on guys... at least pretend to listen to me!”

“What do you have in mind then?” Seungyeon sighed giving up.

“Let’s have a Secret Santa!” He clapped his hands together, “It will be fun! Everyone will pick a name out of a hat then they have to buy a special present for them!”

It took a long time before anyone answered, it came to a surprise when it was Nicole who spoke up, “I like it... we should do it”

---

“We are still need one person for this game!”  Onew looked at the black hat full of pieces of paper that each had their names on one of them.

Knock,“Nicole?” A voice came from the other side of the door.

“Jinwoon? Come in!” Nicole hopped out of her bed, to open the door.

“Hello everyone” Jinwoon polity bowed to the group before turning to Nicole, “I’m leaving now. I just wanted to say bye”

“I’ll walk you out” Nicole smiled.

“WAIT!” Jonghyun yelled, stopping Jinwoon and Nicole “Join us in our Secret Santa!”

“Pardon me?”

“It will be fun, you’ll enjoy it”

Jinwoon turned to Nicole for an answer, “I think you should do it!” Nicole smiled reassured him. He nodded in agreement.

---

“Everyone picked one right?” Everyone nodded to Seugyeon, “Okay good”

“I should go now, thank you everyone and good night” Jinwoon bowed before he left, followed by Nicole.

Once the two had left it had felt the sad mood had been lifted up, but replaced with a worried aura.

“How is she holding up?” Minho asked

“You know Nicole, she’s holding up”

“But barely”

“And it’s all because of Key?” Jonghyun asked, being the one mostly out of the loop.

“I just don’t see how two people who are totally met for each, can’t even see that”

“I agree, Hara”

Everyone stared at the two in amazement. How ironic.

---

“BYE JINWOON!” Nicole yelled at the door, franticly waving goodbye. She stood at the door until Jinwoon’s car was out of sight before she closed the door. She sighed in silence. It had been a tiring day and still she had to face her friends with a smile that didn’t reach her heart.

“Nicole... is that you?” oh there goes my heart, “I didn’t know you were home!”

Ouch, Nicole tried to laugh it off but his words had hit Nicole hard, “Yup... I’m home!”

“I didn’t see you at all, why didn’t you come up to me?”

Why didn’t you? ...Was what she wanted to say, “Oh you looked busy with Nana, I didn’t want to disturb you....”

“Oh”

Awkward silence.

“...Where is she anyways?” Nicole tried to break the silence.

“She had to go home. I’m just here because my mother forgot to get Gyuri’s number from your mother”

“Oh”

Yet another awkward silence.

“Well, I should be going then...” Key moved toward the door, now Nicole’s back faced him. She couldn’t move... her heart was in too much pain to allow her to move, “Bye Nicole”

“By-e” She choked out

She heard the door open, she didn’t realized she was holding her breathe until Key’s voice startled her,

“Nicole...?”

“Hmmm” Why can’t I speak?

“Call me sometime, we should hang out sometime”

She merely nodded

“Well... goodbye then”

She wanted to tell him how many times she’s tried to contact him but always she had failed. It felt as if someone was squeezing her heart slowly, torturing her. She was usually a strong girl... she wasn’t the one to cry, but the thought of losing Key made her want to burst into tears. The awkwardness was already too much for her. This wasn’t how their friendship was before... it was never uncomfortable. Yet now, it had felt like they were two strangers meeting for the first time. It was as if she was losing part of her soul.

... She lost Key.

Author Note's: Have you guys missed me? D: Sorry guys, it's Christmas break now so I have more time to wirte. The time before was so hectic I didn't even have alot of time for myself. It's already 4:35am here, I was having the hardest time writing the second part, I didn't even look back to edit, so in advance SORRY! Please enjoy!

Ps. If you have any questions with the story, write it in the comments and I'll be glad to answer in the next chapter (no personal or will I spoil the story) :D